From ignorance to racism, from racism to destruction

Ignorant people are always uncomfortable with what they don't understand. Instead of trying to learn, they take the shortcut of making prejudices according to their mindset.

Unfortunately, this is the reality of many Indonesians who think of Papuans as strange, stupid, and lacking civilization. This belief is deeply rooted. Uprooting it requires taking a brave and honest stand.  

Indeed, until now, the issue of racism in Indonesia is still a taboo. The Indonesian state has never acknowledged any systemic discrimination against black Papuans, despite the overwhelming evidence and facts. Instead, the victims are criminalized when they try to speak out: Papuan anti-racist militants such as Victor Yeimo and his friends were recently convicted of treason, disturbing public order, etc.

Today, the indigenous people of Wamena are demonstrating against the establishment of a new governor's office in Molama. The government insists on maintaining the project's continuity under the pretext that it has been approved by the community. In reality, only a few self-proclaimed Papuan chiefs have given the Indonesian government the green light. The indigenous Papuans have no reason to give up their ancestral lands for an absurd development project. This recent incident clearly shows that the Indonesian government has no regard for Papuan customs.

A few days ago, at a book review event in Jakarta, an Indonesian priest asked me whether there was still hope for reconciliation and justice in Papua. I answered him firmly:

"Reflecting on 60 years of Indonesian occupation in West Papua, we Papuans have absolutely no future with Indonesia. We will perish and disappear. That is certain and various data show it. The Indonesian government through its two-volume special autonomy program and provincial expansion is accelerating this process of destruction. I can take responsibility for my statement. All the arguments and data are clearly presented in my published books."